Dylan Cease

Drafted in the 6th round (169th overall) by the Chicago Cubs in 2014 (signed for $1,500,000)

A preseason first team All-American, Cease has been sidelined since early March with an elbow injury. He has been throwing since his velocity dipped into the mid-80s during a chilly, early season game, and he hopes to throw a few bullpens before the draft. Cease gained national recognition as a junior at the National High School Invitational in 2013, when he ran his fastball up to 96 mph. Cease and his twin brother, Alec, led Milton to a state title as juniors. Cease had an uneven summer on the showcase circuit, touching 97 mph but struggling to consistently throw strikes or show a plus breaking ball. Cease came out strong this spring, sitting 92-95 mph and touching 98 with the ball jumping out of his hand from a very quick arm. His curveball showed better in the spring than it had on the showcase circuit. The pitch flashes above-average, but he needs to become more consistent at repeating his best breaking balls. His third offering is a changeup that shows average potential. Cease has some effort to his delivery and he tends to rush, leaving his arm dragging. A Vanderbilt signee, Cease's injury makes him something of a wild card on draft day.